Here’s your chance to learn how to use an espresso machine, or brush up on your basic espresso making skills.
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I can’t imagine starting my day without a cup of coffee in the morning. And I know other coffee enthusiasts will have more than one cup throughout the day – during a meeting, with an afternoon snack, or even after dinner.
Coffee is more than just a beverage, and there is so much to learn about coffee, including the roasting process.
From the selection of coffee beans, to the mixing ratio, to the roasting temperature and time, every step is crucial to the success equation.
Coffee is also an art, a consumable art. From espresso and cortado to cappuccinos and lattes, each experience will be totally different, even if it is made with the same coffee beans and by the same barista.
While there are times to go to the coffee shop, there are other times when making a cup of coffee with your own hands is fulfilling – especially when crafting espresso.
Here, I’m going to teach you how to use a semi-automatic espresso machine to make a shot of espresso.
Semi-automatic vs automatic espresso machine
Briefly, semi-automatic espresso machines are the most popular for at home baristas like myself.
Both types of espresso machines have the word automatic in it, but you will still need to grind your own beans, prep the portafilter, tamp and press a button.
But in an automatic espresso machine, the water flow is stopped automatically, while you have to keep an eye on a semi-automatic machine when the shot is being pulled.
What exactly is espresso?
Espresso is coffee that is finely ground and brewed by forcing a small amount of pressurized hot water through the ground coffee.
It is strong, concentrated, and full of flavor. While some people drink espresso straight, it also acts as the base for many great beverages such as a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, americano and more.
How to Use an Espresso Machine: 8 Steps
I’ll be honest, the first time I used my espresso machine, I was overwhelmed and a bit intimidated.
An espresso machine can be frightening for a newbie. It is complicated, and there are so many steps to do in a short period of time. However, I guarantee that once you get started, you will successfully overcome everything in no time.
Tools You’ll Need
- 18 grams ground coffee
- Semi-automatic espresso machine
- Portafilter
- Tamper
- Digital coffee scale
- Demitasse cup
Here is your chance to brush up on your basic espresso making skills and improve yourself with the following steps and tips so you can brew confidently:
1. Power On
Start by switching your espresso machine on, then lock the portafilter into the brew head and place a coffee cup on the warming tray.
Preheat for a minimum of 15 minutes. The purpose is to regulate the water in the boiler to the optimum temperature for espresso extraction.
2. Prepping the portafilter
Remove portafilter from the brew head and wipe it clean with a clean and dry cloth to remove any coffee or water residue.
3. Coffee grinding
Use an espresso grinder, grind approximately 18 grams of coffee ground and dispense into the portafilter.
4. Leveling and distributing
Tap on the side of the portafilter with fingers or palm.
Spread the ground coffee with your fingers and even them out. You want to make sure the ground is as level as possible.
5. Tamping
Use a tamper and give it a light gentle tamp, approximately 15 pounds of pressure. Then tamp again using 30 pounds of pressure this time.
Rotate the tamper as you pull up to leave a smooth finish to the coffee. Even and smooth. Wipe off the excess ground that spilled around the edges.
6. Locking in
Reattach portafilter to the brew head.
7. Pulling shot
Place your preheated cup on a scale and tare it. Start the extraction by pulling the lever or pressing the button.
8. Weighing
Keep an eye on the scale as we aim for 36 grams of espresso. This translates to a brewing ratio of 1:2, meaning that if you start with 18 grams of ground coffee you should be getting 36 grams of espresso.
The whole extraction process should take about 25-35 seconds. Then your espresso is ready to be consumed!
Espresso Machine Brewing Tips
- Fresh coffee beans – Buy fresh coffee beans if you want the best taste. Always check on the roasting date on the package.
- Filtered water – Use filtered water to prevent limescale build up inside the espresso machine.
- Preheat – In order to get the best out of your espresso machine, always preheat the equipment.
- Coffee scale – A coffee scale is an essential tool to let you hit the perfect brewing ratio every time. Finding the right ratio allows you to repeat the same result every single time.
- Cleaning – Always clean the portafilter and filter basket thoroughly with soap and water after each use to prevent clogged up.
To Make Espresso Based Drinks…
While you can go ahead and drink that shot of espresso, you might want to switch it up and make other coffee drinks.
Here are the ratios for some espresso based drinks that you can create with your shot of espresso:
- Espresso con panna = espresso + topped with a little whipped cream
- Latte = ⅓ espresso + ⅔ espresso + layer of milk foam
- Cappuccino = ⅓ espresso + ⅓ steamed milk + ⅓ milk foam
- Americano = espresso + hot water
- Espresso macchiato = espresso + splash of milk
- Mocha = espresso + milk + chocolate syrup
- Affogato = ice cream + espresso
- Breve = espresso + steamed half and half
What kind of coffee do you use in an espresso machine?
While shopping for coffee beans to make espresso with, you may come across espresso beans. You do not need to exclusively use coffee beans labeled espresso beans to make espresso.
Espresso beans are usually a dark roast or are suggested by the roaster as a good bean to use for espresso. But otherwise, you can feel free to use any of your favorite coffee beans to make espresso. Just make sure you use finely ground coffee for best results.
Can I make espresso without an espresso machine?
To truly make espresso, you will need to use an espresso machine. The machine can achieve the right amount of pressure that no other brewing method can do exactly.
However, you can still create an espresso like coffee using other tools, including a moka pot, AeroPress or French press.
Read our guide to making espresso without an espresso machine here.
Conclusion
Making a great cup of coffee can be a labor of love. The semi-automatic espresso machine can be complicated and has a higher learning curve than simply popping in a k cup in your Keurig. It takes time and effort to learn.
If you want to make truly great espresso, you will need practice, practice, and practice. Practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, but I am sure it does make progress.
Happy brewing!
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